EXCLUSIVE: ELDERLY AND DISABLED LEFT STRUGGLING AMID E-BIKE CHAOS
Residents warn of danger as e-bikes block handrails, shop entrances and pavements across Glasgow city centre
EXCLUSIVE by Gary Fanning
Anger is growing in Glasgow city centre as residents warn e-bikes are blocking vital handrails, shop entrances and pavements — leaving elderly and disabled people struggling to get by.
At the centre of the row is a steep hill between Cambridge Street and Hill Street — where a handrail meant to help people has been taken over by at least 16 e-bikes
Residents fear clusters of e-bikes being stored in close proximity could spark safety hazards if left unchecked.
Bill Beckett, chairman of Garnethill Neighbourhood Watch, said: “People are out of breath and need something to hold on to. They can’t use it — the bikes are in the way. It is unacceptable.
“Something has to be done.”
Mr Beckett has raised concerns with Police Scotland and local councillors, but residents say the problem is continuing to grow.
Businesses are also being affected. The Oxford Fish and Chip Shop on Hill Stre has reported access issues due to bikes being left directly outside the entrance.
“There are bikes right at the door,” Mr Beckett said. “The owner can hardly get into his own place.”
Nearby cycle racks are regularly overflowing, with additional bikes chained to railings or left on pavements.
Now, safety concerns are also being raised.
Residents say large numbers of e-bikes — many powered by lithium-ion batteries — are being stored in close proximity in busy areas, including near hotels.
Police are investigating a fire involving an e-bike outside the EasyHotel on Hill Street on March 22.
“We saw what happened at the vape shop on Union Street,” Mr Beckett said. “These batteries can be dangerous if something goes wrong — and there are dozens of bikes in one place.”
Bikes have also been seen outside hotels on Hill Street, raising concerns that batteries may be taken indoors for charging.
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Mr Beckett added: “If people are using cheap or second-hand batteries, there is a risk. It could put lives in danger.”
Figures from the Fire Service show e-bike and e-scooter fires are rising across the UK, with 432 incidents recorded in 2025 — up 38% on the previous year. Thirteen incidents were recorded in Scotland.
Experts have linked many of the fires to faulty or low-quality batteries.
Elsewhere in Garnethill, bikes have been chained to railings outside Garnetbank Primary School, while delivery boxes have been left unattended in public areas.
“Anyone could interfere with them,” Mr Beckett said. “It’s a real concern.”
Residents are now calling for action, including protected access to handrails, designated parking for delivery bikes, increased CCTV and a greater police presence.
Glasgow City Council has been approached for comment.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We continue to respond to incidents where illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters are reported.
“Across the Greater Glasgow area, officers have seized 14 illegal e-bikes in the last two months, and further enforcement is planned.
“Their illegal use can impact local communities and anyone with concerns should contact us so an appropriate policing response can be provided. We continue to work with local authority partners to address the issue.”
This is also a huge problem in Yorkhill/Finnieston. The small hotels in the area are home to many delivery riders and their bikes are chained to railings outside premises blocking the pavement. The Argyle St restaurants all use their riders who regularly ride along the pavement already blocked by outdoor seating and force pedestrians on to the road. At night, many of the riders are on black bikes wearing black clothing and have no lights on their bikes. As a deaf person, I dont hear the bikes coming along the pavements or joining the pacement from the road, often at speed.
The police are well aware of the issues and do regular checks but the behaviour doesnt change. There is also the issue of riders living in HMOs in tenements who charge their batteries in their flats. Add in those who have illegal e-scooters in their flats and it is another Central Station fire waiting to happen, with probable loss of life...